CHA Applauds House Committee’s Passage of Crucial Children’s Health Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) applauds the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce for passing the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act (H.R. 4758), a bipartisan and bicameral bill that addresses gaps and delays in access to critical out-of-state care for children, many of whom have complex health care needs. This legislation, sponsored by Representatives Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), aims to streamline the Medicaid provider enrollment process, significantly improving access to specialized out-of-state care for children with rare diseases and complex medical conditions.

“We are thrilled with the committee’s vote to advance the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act,” said Matthew Cook, CEO of CHA. “This legislation is vital for children and families affected by rare diseases and other chronic conditions who often face significant barriers to accessing timely and coordinated care. Children with complex health needs frequently require the expertise of pediatric specialists and subspecialists found only in children’s hospitals some of which are not located in their home state. By streamlining the burdensome Medicaid provider enrollment process, this bill ensures that pediatric patients have timely access to the specialized care they need, regardless of where they live.”

Medicaid provides coverage for about half of the nation’s children, including three million children in military-connected families that are either currently enrolled or eligible, and offers essential wrap-around care to many children with complex needs who have private insurance. However, children on Medicaid requiring out-of-state care, particularly those with conditions like cancer or other rare diseases, often face delays due to the current cumbersome provider enrollment process. The Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act addresses these delays by facilitating and streamlining the enrollment process, ensuring pediatric patients with rare diseases have timely access to specialized care.

“We commend Representatives Trahan and Miller-Meeks and committee leaders Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Ranking Member Frank Pallone, and their staff for their commitment to improving the overall well-being of pediatric patients, including those served by children’s hospitals nationwide. CHA looks forward to supporting the continued movement of this critical legislation through the legislative process to ensure that children receive the care they need when and where they need it,” added Cook.